Terps' Joe Vellano named ACC defensive lineman of the week

Maryland defensive tackle Joe Vellano was named the ACC’s defensive lineman of the week after his 20-tackle performance in Saturday’s 21-16 loss at Georgia Tech.

It is Vellano’s second weekly honor this season and the third of his career. Two of his three awards came after playing triple-option teams; he was also honored for his performance against Navy last season.

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Vellano is one of only five Maryland players with a 20-tackle game in the last 15 seasons. He had a role in the tackle of 30 percent of the Georgia Tech snaps, excluding incomplete passes.

“We probably had one of the most outstanding performances that I think – I know – I’ve ever seen out of a D-lineman. …,” coach Randy Edsall said. “When you watch the film and watch how hard he played, he just did a phenomenal job. Opposing coaches were seeking him out after the game. Joe was very disruptive and did a great job. He was relentless all day long. There’s plays I could show you on film that show you his desire and want-to after being blocked. That’s as good a performance as I’ve seen out of a defensive lineman against the offense.”